Characterization of smooth muscle cells on poly(ε-caprolactone) films

Bioresorbable vascular grafts can be used for direct implantation. Over time, the grafts will degrade and be replaced by natural tissue. In this study, the potential application of biaxially drawn poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) films for the design of vascular grafts was examined. PCL films were first modified to enhance cell physiological response to the surface. Two methods of surface modification were studied: surface hydrolysis by immersion in sodium hydroxide, and immobilization of collagen onto PCL film surface. Tensile tests indicate that immersion in sodium hydroxide results in a significant drop in ultimate tensile strength, whereas collagen-immobilized films remained uncompromised. Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells were cultured on the different surfaces, and it was demonstrated that collagen-immobilized films elicited the most favorable response from the cultured cells. This indicates the potential for collagen-immobilized PCL films for vascular tissue engineering applications.